The second IT Services advocacy case was settled, in APSA's favour, outside of
arbitration this week, after a yearlong battle over a job posting and hiring
process.

The case started last December, during the IT department restructuring. APSA
was advised that a member’s position was eliminated and a new position would be
created. However, not only was the new position substantively similar to the
eliminated one, concerns were raised over the hiring process for the new
position. APSA responded by filing a grievance on the member’s behalf.  

Ten months later, and two days before arbitration, SFU agreed with APSA that
serious procedural flaws had adversely affected the selection process for the
position and agreed to a settlement.

As a part of the agreement that was eventually crafted between the two
parties, the University has issued the following statement:

"As a result of a flawed selection process for the position of Director,
Client Services, Information Technology Services (Competition # 460), SFU will
re-post the competition for this position and will constitute, a new selection
committee in consultation with APSA to assess candidates for the position. All
candidates who applied for this position when it was initially posted,
including internal and formerly internal candidates, are encouraged to
re-apply.

After conducting a detailed review of the selection process associated
with Competition # 460 –in response to a grievance filed by APSA – SFU agreed
with APSA that the selection process for Competition # 460 had been adversely
affected by serious procedural flaws. In part, internal documents revealed the
successful candidate had an unfair advantage over other candidates. SFU agreed
that the competition should, therefore, be re-posted with a newly formed
selection committee to ensure all candidates have a full and fair opportunity
to obtain the position.

SFU acknowledges the valuable role played by APSA in correcting this
matter."

Additionally, APSA will have considerable input into the composition of the
hiring committee and actively oversee the hiring process. The settlement
expressly prohibits any person who had a role in the initial hiring process
from taking part in the new process. APSA is optimistic that the new,
reconstituted hiring committee will be able to determine the most qualified
candidate for the position, in a fair and impartial manner.

Also, we are pleased to report that the member is more than satisfied with
his confidential agreement with the SFU.

Coming on the heels of the successful Tuition Waiver Benefit for APSA
Retirees arbitration, the settlement represents a significant victory for APSA,
the membership in general and more particularly, the SFU IT staff.  

It took countless hours of work from APSA staff, volunteer advocates, Board
members and a brilliant legal team to achieve this successful settlement. Thank
you to everyone involved and a special thank you to Allan Black, QC and
Stephanie Mayor of Black Gropper for their dedication and unwavering
support. 

Please leave comments below or send them to Anne Mason, Association
Director, apsa@sfu.ca.